If you’re a professional or budding guitarist, you’ve probably already searched around for guitar models to use. While there are many guitar stores available to buy from, not all carry the models and equipment you might need. Because of this, it’s ideal to consider looking at using guitar stores online. These stores offer a variety of different products you can choose from, including accessories and even other musical instruments. Many of their guitars are made of high-quality materials and some can be very rare models found nowhere else in the world. A handful of stores also offer repairs for musical instruments as well as lessons with professionals if you’re just starting out. Because of these features, it makes shopping at an online store for guitars a unique experience.
While these online stores have their benefits, you also need to be careful as some could come with high shipping costs and might not have the best products for sale. Due to this, you want to shop only at the best guitar stores online. But how do you know which store is right to shop at? To help you, we’ve listed some of the best guitar stores online you can visit. Below you’ll discover more important information about guitar stores, vital aspects to consider before buying a guitar at one of them, and some of the top ones to consider shopping at. This information will help to make sure you invest in the right guitar for your needs and have a good shopping experience.
What is an Online Guitar Store?
An online guitar store is exactly what its name implies – it’s a guitar store that sells merchandise every guitarist needs online. While the items will range depending on the store, most will contain numerous products that are not usually found in brick and mortar ones.
The Benefits of Using a Guitar Store Online
There are quite a few benefits that come with using a guitar store online. Below are some you’ll find if you decide to use one.
They Offer More Products
Physical guitar stores are usually limited in their space which means they can’t always display all of their products. However, online stores have a vast amount of space which means you’ll find options that you might not have known about. Some products might also only be available online meaning that shoppers will find some unique and rare items to buy.
They Have Detailed Descriptions of the Products
Unlike stores which usually only display a little information about a product, online guitar sites have detailed information. This description makes sure that you know all the features and specifications of the product so you can tell if it will work well for what you need.
There are Customizable Options
Most of these online stores will also offer a handful of customizable options. You’ll be able to choose the types of strings, engravings, colors, and other similar things you want your specific guitar to have. While they might cost a bit extra, with these options, you can be sure that you’ll create the perfect guitar for your needs.
They Offer Many Discounts
While many guitar stores will offer discounts, online shops often have deeper discounts and unique sales. Many also have free shipping which can cut back on quite a bit of the cost. Because of this, shopping online is often a great idea for those who are on a budget.
They Offer Lessons and Repairs
Many stores also offer lessons and repairs. So, if you’re looking for some help with your guitar playing skills or need some repairs done to your instrument, most of these stores will be able to help you. While sometimes these lessons and repairs will be done at their physical guitar store if they have one, some will offer online options as well.
They Have Experts on Hand
Another benefit of online stores is that they usually have experts on hand you can contact if you need help shopping. They can help to guide you toward a specific brand or feature that will work well for what you’ve explained to them.
What to Look for When Searching for the Perfect Guitar Store
Before shopping at any guitar store, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Below are some important aspects to consider.
Their Reputation
One of the most important things to look for when searching for the right guitar store to buy from is the store’s reputation. There are thousands of guitar stores and each will try to persuade you to buy from them. While some might be legitimate and have a high reputation, not all will. Some might not have the best quality materials while others might skyrocket their prices for something that could otherwise be bought for very cheap. Some guitar stores online might also not have the best shipping and return policies.
To help prevent buying from a terrible store, look closely at its reputation. Check reviews and do other searches to make sure the store you’re interested in will work well for you.
Their Inventory
While most guitar stores online will have a wide inventory, some might not be that impressive. In fact, they might only sell a few products compared to one of their brick and mortar stores if they have one. Because of this, search around a little bit to get an idea of the store and the things they sell. If you find that from this quick search there isn’t much that catches your interest, consider looking somewhere else.
If They Offer Used Equipment
If you’re on a budget, you might want to invest in used equipment. Most used items sold by various guitar stores are of high-quality and look and work as if they are brand new. This option is perfect for those who want an affordable option, especially if they’re just starting out with playing the guitar.
However, make sure to carefully read the descriptions of the used equipment. Sometimes there might be slight dents in them or they could have other problems. Because of this, look closely at the piece you’re interested in to make sure it will be a worthwhile investment.
If They Offer Guides and Lessons
Another thing to look for is if the guitar store offers guides and lessons. While this isn’t necessarily a crucial aspect, it is a good one to consider. Those that offer these options can better help you choose the right model for your needs and even help you learn how to use the equipment. This can ensure that you play the instrument correctly.
These services might come at an extra cost, but they can be very beneficial to those who have specific needs or are looking for various guitar features.
If There are Financing Options
For those on a budget, look to see if the site has a financing option. This feature will help to cut back on the costs and usually will have you pay a specific amount of money per month. Some might also offer free interest and shipping in addition to financial help. Keep in mind though that some stores might require you to sign up for a special card in order to use their financing options. If you prefer not to do this, you might want to look at using a different online store that doesn’t require you to do so.
Types of Guitars
Before visiting a guitar store online, it’s important to know about the different types of guitars available.
Acoustic
An acoustic guitar is one of the most common types of guitars used. This guitar doesn’t require amplification, such as with electric and bass guitars. The sound emitted comes from the small opening in the center of the guitar’s body which converts the vibrations from the strings into various pitches. This makes the sound softer compared to electric and bass guitars.
Electric
An electric guitar requires amplification or a type of electric signal in order to convert the vibrations from the strings into sounds. Because it needs amplification, the sounds created are much deeper compared to acoustic guitars. Unlike acoustic guitars, electric guitars do not have a sound hole.
Bass
A bass guitar is a slight mixture between acoustic and electric guitars. While they almost have the same string setup as an acoustic guitar, bass guitars play the notes an octave lower. Just as with electric guitars, the sound needs amplification in order to be heard. However, unlike acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars have a much longer neck due to it containing more octaves.
Top Guitar Stores Online
Guitar Center
Guitar Center is one of the top guitar stores online to buy from. They not only have many modern guitar models but used and vintage options as well. In addition to this, Guitar Center also sells extra equipment like microphones, DJ equipment, and even brass and woodwind instruments. The site also offers services such as lessons, repairs, and rentals. It also has online gear tips you can keep in mind to help ensure you buy the right model for your needs.
Unlike some online stores, this shop’s webpage is very easy to navigate so you can easily find what you need. It also has various sales throughout the year which can help you to save some money.
Musician’s Friend
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/
This online store is filled with various types of guitars, such as electric, acoustic, bass, and folk models. Musician’s Friend also sells plenty of guitar accessories for guitarists including strings and stands. This company is especially known for selling the iconic Private Reserve Guitars which are known for their durability and incredible sound. For those who aren’t quite sure about what guitar to buy, the site has guitar advisors who you can call in for advice.
In addition to guitars, Musician’s Friend sells banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, and drums. There is also sheet music, art, and other collectibles that revolve around music for sale. However, keep in mind that the items sold on this site can be a little pricey, so if you’re on a budget, this might not be the best option to shop on. However, it does often offer free shipping on its products.
Sam Ash
Sam Ash is a well-known store that offers many different guitars for you to choose from like bass, acoustic, electric, and even left-handed models. It also sells guitars from various brands such as Taylor, Gibson, and Martin. Besides the guitars themselves, Sam Ash also has many different accessories guitarists can invest in, like amplifiers, strings, and guitar pedals.
In addition to guitars, Sam Ash has other departments for shoppers to browse through, like lighting, keyboards, and drums. While it offers more inventory with its online store, it does have a few physical stores you could stop by at if you want to check out their rentals, have repairs done, or take lessons.
The site is very easy to navigate and has helpful information listed next to each of their products so you can see whether it will work well for you. It also has experts on call if you need additional help.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater is an online music store that offers numerous guitars made from brands like Taylor, Gibson, and Paul Reed Smith Guitars. Once you buy a guitar, they go through a unique check which ensures that the box they are shipped in has climate control to prevent warping and a 55-point inspection to ensure there are no hidden scratches or damages.
Besides the guitars, Sweetwater also sells an impressive amount of guitar accessories like cables, pedals, and amplifiers. Each product sold on Sweetwater features high-definition photos of it in various angles so you know what you’re buying.
Sweetwater offers many sales throughout the year and also has financing options. However, you do need to sign up for a Sweetwater credit card in order to use this financing feature. Most of its products also have free shipping.
Riff City Guitar and Music Company
https://www.riffcityguitaroutlet.com/
The Riff City Guitar and Music Company offers thousands of different acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. They sell many of the top guitar companies such as Gibson, Yamaha, Chapman, and Sire. When shopping for a guitar, you’ll find many helpful photos so you can see exactly what you’re buying. Each product also has a lengthy description which describes each part of the instrument. Many items come with free shipping, financing help, and reviews by previous customers so you can read more about the product.
This store also sells pre-owned instruments which are still of high quality despite being used. Besides this, Riff City Guitar and Music Company also have audio equipment, strings, strands, and straps for guitars.
However, keep in mind that this site is a little busy with its graphics. Because of this, it might be hard to navigate and search around on.
Reverb
Reverb is ideal for those who want to buy an affordable guitar. This site offers numerous guitars that various sellers can post on their site. These include electric, acoustic and bass models from famous guitar brands such as Roland, Fender, and Gibson. Each product has a description of it and a few pictures. This description also has a helpful condition category so you can see how worn the guitar might be or of any damages, it might have. The site also has reviews of the products and sellers from customers so you’ll be able to tell if the investment will be worthwhile. This site offers financing options although it does have some pricey shipping fees.
Wildwood Guitars
This site sells handcrafted acoustic and electric guitars. It has a large inventory which includes models from Gibson, Fender, and Taylor Acoustic. Besides guitars, the site sells amplifiers and pedals. There are also a few used and vintage items available for sale. Each of these products includes a photo and brief description so you can tell if it will work well for you.
The site also has its own YouTube channel where it has guitarists play various guitars and talk a bit about them. This can be very helpful if you’re on the search for a new guitar but aren’t sure where to start.
While it has a very simple site, Wildwood Guitars is easy to navigate and does come with financing options. However, it doesn’t offer many other items besides guitars, so if you’re looking for extra accessories, this might not be the right site to shop on.
World Music Supply
https://www.worldmusicsupply.com/
This online site offers an incredible amount of guitars from around the world. These range from traditional acoustic and electric models to folk guitars. In addition to some lesser-known companies, World Music Supply also offers famous brands like Washburn, Fender, and Taylor. Their guitars come in a variety of different styles so everyone is sure to find something that matches their taste. World Music Supply does sell guitar accessories such as pedals, amplifiers, straps, and strings. They also have free shipping, no sales tax with a purchase, and free returns. You could also buy someone a gift certificate to use on the site if you’re not quite sure what to get them.
Elderly Instruments
This 40-year-old company is known for its impressive inventory of vintage guitars. You’ll find everything from a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard to a 1965 Martin D-28. Each product includes information about it as well as a few pictures so you can look over its features and quality. Besides guitars, Elderly Instruments also sells accessories and electronics necessary for various musical instruments. It also has a few left-handed instruments available which are usually very difficult to find.
While some of their guitars are a little pricey, most of the products are budget-friendly. This company also offers monthly payment plans as well as repairs. It also has a blog called All Strings Considered which dives into various guitar models and the history behind them.
Lisa has a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Arts. She is an experienced blogger who enjoys researching interesting facts, ideas, products, and other compelling concepts. In addition to writing, she likes photography and Photoshop.